Inetum has set up a digital bank in six municipalities in Zuiderkempen. Citizens from this region can come here with digital questions and borrow digital material safely.

Inetum has set up a digital bank in collaboration with the local authorities of Zuiderkempen to promote digital inclusion. The six participating municipalities are Geel, Herselt, Hulshout, Laakdal, Meerhout and Westerlo.

This initiative provides vulnerable young people and other citizens with access to the digital world in a safe environment. The digital bank is a place where citizens can ask digital questions, return used devices, borrow and learn or print digital materials.

The project is part of the Flemish Resilience Recovery Plan and is funded by the Flemish government. The digital bank helps close the digital divide by providing a safe environment where everyone can go.

Impact on citizens and municipalities

Jo Leemans, Director Technologies at Inetum Belgium, emphasizes that the establishment of digital banks fits into Inetum’s strategy to make digitalization safe and accessible to society. The company wants to play an active role in the digital transformation of society.

The Digibank in Zuiderkempen uses the existing framework agreement with the city of Bruges. Leemans: “Inetum’s Workplace-as-a-Service service is responsible for the operation of the digital bank. This simplifies administration for the municipality. Inetum also ensures the cybersecurity of the environment, which is important for the safe use of the services.”

The Workplace-as-a-Service service is responsible for the operation of the digital bank.

Jo Leemans, Director Technologies at Inetum Belgium

Tinne Lommelen, employment and community work expert at Sociaal Huis Geel, emphasizes that Inetum relieves the burden on the municipality’s IT department. “It ensures that citizens have secure access to digital resources. Digibank currently has ten Digipoints, and the number is set to be expanded further. On average, five laptops are available per point.”

“Each location has volunteers who are available at a digital point during set time slots. We are still looking for additional help. Anyone who feels called to help can contact me at any time.”

Buy, don’t rent

Lommelen bought the devices with a grant from the Flemish government. Renting would also be an option, but she didn’t want that. “The funding period runs until the end of 2026. By purchasing the devices now through the Bruges framework agreement, we are not dependent on this deadline. Every digital point remains operational.”

Inetum’s Workplace-as-a-Service services are still subject to a fee. “We are aware of this. The costs are borne by the respective local authority’s budget. This means we can continue after the funding period has expired and have a long-term solution.”

The biggest challenge remains getting people here. It remains an obstacle to physically knock on someone’s door and ask for help

Tinne Lommelen, employment and community work expert at Sociaal Huis Geel

Leemans: “With Inetum, we deliver the total package, which includes both software and security. This is often a patchwork that can cause problems. The six municipalities in Zuiderkempen have opted for a complete solution. If there are problems, they open a ticket with us and we take care of the rest.”

Each PC is wiped when a user session is completed, so you can be sure that the privacy of everyone who consults a laptop is guaranteed.

Continue to grow

The Flemish government wants to close the digital divide with the digital bank. Every digital point is a safe environment that anyone can go to. “The biggest challenge remains getting people here. It remains an obstacle to physically knock on someone’s door and ask for help,” says Leemans.

Anyone who does this can also expect further follow-up support if they wish. There is a collaboration with adult education in the Kempen region. There, citizens can receive training, for example in how to use a smartphone or laptop. This enables citizens to further develop their digital skills and benefit optimally from the services on offer.